Southern California -- this just in

4 people injured in crash at end of CHP chase in Sherman Oaks

Four people were injured, one critically, Friday evening when a driver being chased by a California Highway Patrol officer crashed his SUV into a ranch-style house in Sherman Oaks, authorities said.

Shortly before 9 p.m., a CHP officer pulled a speeding motorist off the 170 Freeway in North Hollywood. The two cars exited at Magnolia Boulevard.

After the officer approached the driver, according to CHP spokesman Leland Tang, the driver sped off and the officer pursued him. The car crashed at Magnolia and Fulton Avenue, drawing stunned neighbors onto the sidewalks.

The driver sustained major head injuries and was taken to a hospital, Tang said. A passenger had minor injuries and was talking to investigators. A third car was hit but it was unclear, Tang said, whether anyone was in that car or if it was parked near the home.

The home had major damage and two other people were injured, but it was not unknown whether they were passengers.

Tang said CHP investigators were trying to figure out what happened and why the driver fled.